Hanoi - Halong bay

4 days

Introduction:This short trip is the perfect add-on to any
adventure in Vietnam - whisking you from the the
cosmopolitan streets of Hanoi to World Heritage listed
Halong Bay.
Staying close to Hanoi's fabulous Old Quarter and the
shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, there's lots to explore just
outside the door. Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
before giving in to the temptation of the many street
stalls selling local snacks and souvenirs. Wander around
the lake's shore and enjoy the Water puppetry
performance. Jump on board and sail past thousands of
limestone islands rising dramatically out of the emerald
waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy delicious meals
cooked on board, dive into the water and discover secret
caves...Tour highlights:
• Ha Noi Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh complex
• Overnight junk cruise in the World Natural Heritage Site of Halong Bay
• Enjoy fabulous seafood meals on board, swim in the warm crystal clear water

ITINERARYDay 1 Hanoi arrivalUpon
arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, our guide and driver
will welcome you and transfer you to hotel in Hanoi.
The rest of your day is at leisure for independent
exploration – just catch a sight of Hoan Kiem lake or
explore the maze of streets in the city's fascinating
Old Quarter where you are certain to find something
unique to buy.

Day 2 Ha Long Bay cruiseThis
morning we take a 4 hour drive to Halong Bay. On arrival
we board our deluxe junk, this traditional wooden
sailing junk boat offers a unique way of navigating the
limestone karsts of Halong Bay with all the comforts of
a motorised, floating hotel. Once settled in, you start
your cruise round the majestic Halong Bay, while
enjoying a delicious lunch. After lunch you have the
chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted
around the bay. Then, the captain will find a secluded
spot where you can swim in the clear water of the bay,
soak up the sun on the top deck. In the evening the cook
prepares a sumptuous meal as the boat weighs anchor in
the heart of the bay.

Day 3 Ha Long cruise - Ha NoiRising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time
for an early morning dip or enjoy a morning view of the
Bay's landscapes with a cup of tea. The boat keeps
cruising to float fishing village for you to have a look
of local people lives on water. We enjoy brunch on board
and around midday we will return to the main harbor
before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for your
journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in Hanoi at
around 4.30 pm.

Day 4 Hanoi city tour - DepartureOn the morning of day 4 we take a city tour to Ho Chi
Minh complex, his house on stilts and the museum and One
Pillar Pagoda. We also make a visit to the Temple of
Literature – the first university of Vietnam, which is
now dedicated to Confucian worship and “Hanoi Hilton” –
a nick name given by US pilots during the war.
For lunch today we will try Pho (beef noodles), a famous
specialty of Hanoi.
In the afternoon we take a cyclo tour around the Old
Quarter and then transfer straight to Hanoi airport for
the flight home. Tour ends.